Louise Patricia Welch

Patti Welch, 87, our Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister and Friend moved on to be with her devoted husband on July 22, 2017 surrounded by her loved ones. Patti was born to Thomas Patrick Joyce and Louise Evangeline Gaudet in Newton, MA on December 14, 1929. Patti was the first born Joyce, followed by Margret, Thomas, and John. After graduation, Patti moved on to a secretarial position in Wortham, MA. A few years later, Patti joined American Airlines as a flight attendant (called a stewardess back then). In 1951 Patti met the love of her life – John James “Jack” Welch, Jr. Two years later, Patti and Jack were married on August 6, 1953, in Newton, MA. Patti and Jack moved to Dallas in 1956 when Jack joined LTV and children soon followed -- John Kelly, Bridget, Shannon, Erin, and Meegan.

During her 60 years in Dallas and Washington, DC, Patti extended welcome readily, hosted gracefully, and was a deeply supportive wife as Jack built his career. She was actively involved in the League of Women Voters, St. Rita's Church, the American Airlines Kiwi Club and the Dallas Museum of Arts.

Patti and Jack travelled extensively because of Jack's work, in both industry and government service. Together, they hosted many military, business and government friends in Dallas and Washington, DC. They shared a love of politics and political discussion.

Patti loved to shop, needlepoint, cook, decorate and spend time with her kids, grandkids, family and friends.

Patti is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Jack Welch, her daughter Meegan Lillian Welch, her brother Tommy Joyce, and her sister Margret Tardif, along with many old and dear friends. Patti is survived by her children: Kelly and his wife Pam; Bridget and her husband Greg Clark; Shannon and her husband Bob Adkins; and Erin along with her brother Jack Joyce. Patti is also survived by her grandchildren: Brayden Patrick Welch, John Michael Welch, Christopher Kelly Welch, Ryan Matthew Clark, Hunter Alexander Clark, Marsha and husband Treavon Drake, and Lisa and husband Patrick Pigeon along with her great grandchildren Joshua Michael Welch, Tyler, Sophia, and Tristyn Drake and Isabelle Pigeon.

Patti’s memorial service will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest on Thursday, August 3rd, at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of Patti’s life at 4 p.m. at a residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Autism Society of American at autism-society.org.